Integral clip-on receptacle

ABSTRACT

An improved clip-on receptacle adapted releasably to receive a crosspin fastener in which the receptacle is formed from sheet metal with a first apertured clip portion for engaging one side of a frame adjacent to an edge thereof and around an opening therein and with a pair of spaced legs bent back to connect the first portion to a second apertured clip portion for engaging the other surface of the frame, said second portion formed with an aperture surrounded by a continuous flange adapted to engage in the frame opening to provide a guide for facilitating the removal of the crosspin and with a resilient leg extending back over the second clip portion remote from the legs and provided with an opening surrounded by a cam track adapted to be engaged by a crosspin when the crosspin is inserted through the leg opening and the shank of the fastener is turned.

United States Patent [191 Gley [ 1 INTEGRAL CLIP-ON RECEPTACLE [75]Inventor: Paul R. Gley, Hillsdale, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Rex Chainbelt Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.

[22] Filed: Dec. 1, 1972 211 Appl. N3, 311,228

3,123,880 3/1964 Barry et a1.

7 Primary Examiner-Donald A. Griffin Attorney, Agent, or F [rm-Shenier &OConnor [45'] Apr. 9, 1974 57 ABSTRACT An improved clip-on receptacleadapted releasably to receive a crosspin fastener in which thereceptacle is formed from sheet metal with a first apertured clipportion for engaging one side of a frame adjacent to an edge thereof andaround an opening therein and with a pair of spaced legsbent back toconnect the first portion to a second apertured clip portion forengaging the other surface of the frame, said second portion formed withan aperture surrounded by a continuous flange adapted to engage in theframe opening to provide a guide for facilitating the removal of thecrosspin and with a resilient leg extending back over the second clipportion remote from the legs and provided with an opening surrounded bya cam track adapted to be engaged by a crosspin when the crosspin isinserted through the leg opening and the shank of the fastener isturned. 1

14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures llllll/LA] i l l 1," It i 54 l t "0. 72 "0Z6 on receptacles of the prior art.

INTEGRAL CLIP-ON RECEPTACLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are knownin the prior art latch and receptacle assemblies for securing a panelover a frame opening. In one type of latch forachieving this purpose thepanel carries a fastener comprising a rotatable shank having a crosspinadjacent to one end thereof. The frame carries an apertured receptacleforming a cam track surrounding an opening in the frame. To assemble the7 panel on the frame the crosspin is inserted through the receptacleaperture and the fastener shank rotated against the action of a springto move the crosspin ends up the cam track and into locking recessesformed therein. To remove the panel from the frame the fastener shank iscounter rotated to move the crosspin out of the locking recesses-topermit it to be withdrawn through the receptacle aperture.

More particularly, there are known in the prior art clip-on receptaclesadapted to be clipped over the frame edge adjacent to the frame openingand forming a cam track surrounding the opening. Such clip-onreceptacles customarily are formed from sheet metal. The cam trackportion, moreover, is formed in a resilient portion of the receptacle soas to providea biasing force releasably to hold the'crosspin in thelocking recesses. Specif c examples of clip-on receptacles'of this typeare shown for example, in FloraqU.S. Pat. No. 2,798,277 and in Barry etal. U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,880.

While clip-on receptacles of the type described above function more orless satisfactorily releasablylto hold a crosspin inllocking recesses atthe top of the cam track, they embody a relatively serious defect. Whenthe crosspin is counter-rotated to move its ends out of thelockingrecesses and into alignment with the receptacle opening which isintended to permit withdrawal of the crosspin from thereceptacle andthrough the frame opening, it often occursthat an-end of the crosspinengages between the inner surface of the frame ad.-

' jacent to the opening and a portion of the receptacle surrounding theopening. As a result of. this occurwithdrawn fromthe receptacle. Myimproved clip-on receptacle is simple in construction andrelativelyinexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY or THE INvENTIoN One object of my invention is toprovide animproved clip-on receptacle which overcomes the defect of clip- Anotherobject of my invention is to provide an im proved clip-on receptaclewhich facilitates removal of a crosspin fastenertherefrom.

, A further object of my invention is to provide an improved clip-onreceptacle which avoids the problem of fouling of the crosspin as acrosspin fastener is withdrawn from the receptacle.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved clip-onreceptacle which is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct.

Other and further objects of my invention will appear from the followingdescription.

In general, my invention contemplates the provision of an improvedclip-on receptacle integrally formed from sheet metal and adapted to beclipped onto a frame over an edge adjacent to an opening therein withone portion of the receptacle engaging one surface of the frame with anaperture in a first clip portion registering with the frame opening andwith a second clip portion of the receptacle, connected to the first bybent back legs, adapted to engage the other side of the frame and with acontinuous flange surrounding an aperture in the second receptacleportion engaging in the frame opening so as to provide a guide for thewithdrawal of the crosspin and with a resilient arm connected to thesecond portionat its edge remote from the legs having a cam tracksurrounding an aperture through which the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THEDRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings which form part of the instantspecification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and inwhich like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts :in thevarious views:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a clip-on receptacle and fastener assemblyof the type known in the prior art illustrating the problem obviatedbymy improved clipon receptacle. I

FIG. 2 is a plan view of my improved clip-on receptacle in anintermediate stage in the course of formation thereof.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of my improved clip-on receptacle.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of my improved clip-on receptacle. I

FIG. 5 is abottom plan receptacle. I I j I .FIG. 6.is a perspective viewof my improved clip-on receptacle.

DESCR PTION OF THE PREFERRED I EMBODIMENT Referring now to 'FIG. I ofthe drawings, l have shown a fastener and receptacle assembly, indicatedgenerally by the reference character 10, for securing a panel 14 to aframe 12. The panel 14 carries a fastener indicated generally by thereference character 16 having a head 18 and a shank 20 carrying acrosspin 22. The receptacle, indicated generally by the referencecharacter 28, is adapted to be received by the frame 12 in an opening 26therein. Receptacle 28 includes a first leg 30 having an opening 32formed therein around which there is provided a locating flange 34adapted to be received in the opening 26 when the receptacle is appliedto the frame. Receptacle 28 includes a second leg 38 connected to aleg30 by a reverse bend 36. Leg 38 is provided with an opening 40through which crossview of my improved clip-on pin 22 is adapted to passso as to permit it to ride along a cam surface 42 having a lockingrecess therein.

In use of the fastener and receptacle assembly of the prior art, thereceptacle 28 first is applied to the frame 12 by slipping it over theleft edge indicated in FIG. 1 to engage the leg 30 with the outersurface of the frame with the flange 34 located in opening 26. The otherleg 38 engages theinner surface of the frame. As is known in the artjthe receptacle 28 is formed of a suitable resilient material such, forexample, as spring steel. After the receptacle 28 has been applied tothe frame and when it is desired to secure the panel 14 in position onthe frame 12, crosspin 22 is passed through openings 32 and 40 so as tobe positioned at a location at which it can engage the cam track 42. Thehead 18 then is operated to turn the shank 20 to cause the ends of thecrosspin 22 'to ride along the cam track 42 and to drop into lockingrecesses therein. The inherent resilience of the leg 38 releasablyretains the crosspin ends in the locking recesses.

To remove the panel from the frame the head 18 is operated to turn theshank 29 in the opposite direction to move the crosspin ends out of thelocking recesses and into alignment with the opening 40 to permit thecrosspin 22 to pass through the opening. In achieving this operationwith the-assembly of the prior art illustrated in FIG. 1, it may occurthat the crosspin 22 fouls on e inner. .su fasze 9f t f me-1. and, be qms jammed in the space between the leg 38 and the inner surface of theframe 12. This is the position of the parts illustrated in FIG. 1. Whenthat occurs, difficulty is experienced in moving the crosspin outwardlythrough the opening 32 to permit complete disasse'mbly of the parts andremoval of the panel 14 from the frame 12. This problem may besufficiently severe that the parts cannot be separated without damageeither to the receptacle or to the fastener.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 6, my improved receptacle, indicatedgenerally by the reference character 44, may be formed from a blank,indicated generally by the reference character 46 in FIG. 2, ofasuitable material such, for example, as spring steel. The blank 46includes a base portion 48 having a hole 50 formed therein. Relativelywide, spaced leg portions 52 and 54 connect the base 48 to spaced legs56 and 58. In forming the receptacle; I bend the wide leg portions 52and 54 so that the legs 56 and 58 extend over the base 48. lxt eqtiisenqsgf be les 56 1.5 emo e from wide leg portions 52 and 54 backover legs 56 and 58 to position an intermediate portion 64 of thereceptacle over the legs 56 and 58. I provide the intermediwith theopening 50 when the legs have been bent in the manner described. Inaddition, I provide the opening 66 with a surrounding peripheral flange68 adapted to engage in the opening 26 when the receptacle is applied tothe frame 12in a manner to be described. As will further be pointed outhereinbelow, this flange 68 serves to guide the crosspin 22 as it isremoved from the assembly, thus to facilitate removal of the fastener 16and panel 14 from the frame 12. It will further be seen that the upperedge of the flange 68 as viewed in FIG. 4 tapers slightly downwardly tothe right. This feature facilitates application of the receptacle 44 tothe frame 12 in a manner to be described.

Another bend 72 positions anarm 70 of reduced width of the receptacleback under the intermediate ate portion 64 with an opening 66 adapted toregister portion 64 and between the narrow legs 56 and 58. l form thearm 70 with an opening 74 adapted to receive the shank 20 of thefastener 16. Respective extensions 76 and 78 of the opening 74accommodate the crosspin 22 in one position of the shank 20. I form thereduced width portion 70 with cam tracks 80 and 82 providing lockingrecesses for the ends of the crosspin 22 in a manner to be described.

From the structure thus far described, it will be appreciated that whenI have completely formed my receptacle it includes a base 48, bent backleg portions 52 and 54 leading to connecting legs 56 and 58, leading tothe intermediate portion 64 which is positioned between the base and thelegs by the bends and 62 and the bent back arm of reduced width which isdisposed below and in inclined relation to the intermediate portion 64and between the legs 56 and 58. In addition I provide a turned overflange 84 at the end of the arm 70 for limiting the movement of the armtoward intermediate portion 64 when the fastener is locked up.

In making my improved receptacle 44, l first stamp a blank 46 from anysuitable material such, for example, as spring steel. In the course ofstamping'the blank I may form the opening 50, the legs 56 and 58, theopening 66 and the opening 74 having the extension 76 and 78. Guideflange 68 and the cam tracks and 82 may be formed in any suitable mannerknown to the art.

Next, Ibend the enlarged leg portions 52 and 54 so that the legs 56 and58 extend back over thebase 48. As can be seen by reference to FIG. 4,the bend formed in the enlarged leg portions 52 and 54 is such as tospace the legs 56 and 58 from the base 48. Following that operation Iform the bends 60 and 62 in such a way as to cause the intermediateportion 64 to underlie the base 48 in relatively closely spacedrelationship thereto. At the same time, I ensure that the opening 50registers with the opening 66. Finally, bend 72 having a relativelysmall radius is formed so that the arm 70 underlies the intermediateportion 64 and so that the arm extends generally at an angle to theplane of the base 48. End flange 84 may be formed at any time in thecourse of the bending operations. While I have described the bends asbeing formed in a particular sequence, it will readily be appreciatedthat the bends are formed in any sequence which facilitates manufactureof the receptacle.

In use of my receptacle as part of an assembly to secure a member suchas a panel 14 to a frame 12, I first clip the receptacle 44 over theedge of the frame 12. In the course of this operation, the base 48engages the outer surface of the frame and the flange 68 rides into theopening 26 so that the intermediate portion 64 engages the inner surfaceof the frame. The inclination of the edge of flange 68 away from base 48facilitates this operation.

Panel 14, which carries a fastener 16 in a manner illustrated in FIG. 1,is then brought into position with relation to the frame 12. Next, theshank 20 carrying the crosspin 22 is inserted through opening 50 andthrough the opening 66 surrounded by flange 68. The crosspin 22 isbrought into alignment with the extensions 76 and 78 of the hole 74 andis passed therethrough so as to bring the ends of the crosspin 22 intoposition adjacent to the lower ends of the cam tracks 80 and 82. Thehead 18 then is rotated in such a direction as to cause the crosspinends to ride up the cam tracks 80 and 82 until they drop into thelocking recesses therein. It will readily be appreciated that thisoperation is accomplished against the inherent resilience of the arm 70so that the panel 14 is firmly held in position on the frame 12..

To disassemble the panel 14 from the frame 12 head 18 is rotated in theopposite direction to move the ends of crosspin 22 out of the cam trackrecesses and to cause the ends of the crosspin to ride down the tracksuntil they are aligned with the extensions 76 and 78 of the opening 74.The crosspin is then moved out of engagement with arm 70. In thisposition of the parts, the crosspin can readily be withdrawn through theopening 66 to permit the panel 14 to be removed from the frame. It willbe clear that the flange 68 facilitates this operation. It guides theends of the crosspin so that the danger of the crosspin becoming fouledbetween the inside surface of the frame 12 and a part of the receptacleis obviated.

It will be seen that l have accomplished the objects of my invention. 1have provided an improved crosspin fastener receptacle which overcomesthe defects of crosspin fastener receptacles of the prior art which areof the clipon type. My improved receptacle facilitates the operation ofdisassembling the fastener from the receptacle. It obviates the problemof fouling of the crosspin and between the inner surface of the frameand a part of the receptacle. It is relatively simple to construct andis consequently inexpensive to manufacture.

it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of 'myclaims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made indetails withinthe scope of my claims without departing from the spiritof my invention. it is, therefore, to be understood that my invention isnot to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. An improved clip-on receptacle for use with a crosspin fastener tosecure a first member to the outer surface of a second member havinganopening adjacent to an edge thereof including in combination, a firstclip portion having an opening therein,'a second clip portion having anopening therein, crosspin receiving means carried by said second clipportion, resilient means connecting said first and second clip portionsin spaced relationship with saidopenings in alignment to permit saidreceptacle to be slipped over the edge of said second member with thefirst clip portion in engagement with the outersurface of the secondmember and with the second clip portion in engagement with the innersurface thereof and with the clip portion openings in alignment with thesecond member opening, and means on said second clip portion. forguiding afastener crosspin in the course of its movement out of saidsecond member opening after disengagement from said crosspin receivingmeans to prevent fouling thereof on the inner surface of said secondmember.

2. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which said guidemeans comprises a flange on said second clipportion at the edge of theopening therein.

3. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which said guidemeans comprises a flange on said sec ond clip portion at the edge of theopening therein, said flange extending from said second clip portiontoward said first clip portion.

4. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which said guidemeans comprises a flange on said second clip portion at the edge of theopening therein, said flange extending from said second clip portiontoward said first clip portion to snap into the opening in the secondmember in the assembled position of said receptacle on said secondmember.

5. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which said guidemeans comprises a flange on said second clip portion at the edge of theopening therein, said flange extending from said second clip portiontoward said first clip portion to snap into'the opening in the secondmember in the assembled position of said receptacle on said secondmember, said flange extending entirely around the opening in said secondclip portion.

6. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which said guidemeans comprises a flange on said second clip portion at the edge of theopening therein, said flange extending from said second clip portiontoward said first clip portion to snap into the opening in the secondmember in the assembled position of said receptacle on said secondmember, said flange extending entirely around the opening in said secondclip portion and in which the edge of said flange lies in a planeinclined toward said second clip portion in a direction away from saidconnecting means. i I l 7. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1in which said guide means comprises a flange on said second clip portionat the edge of the opening therein, said flange extending from saidsecond. clip portion toward said first clip portion to snap into theopening in the second member in the assembled position of saidreceptacle on said second member, said flange extending entirely aroundthe opening in said second clip portion and in which the edge of saidflange lies in a plane inclined toward said second clip portion in adirection away from said connecting means, said receptacle in- Y eludingan annular rounded boss in said second clip portion around saidflangeand on the side of second clip portion remote from said flange.

8. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which the receptacleis formed from resilient sheet material.

9. An improved clip-on receptacle as in'claim l in which said crosspinreceiving means comprises an arm formed with an opening and withcrosspin receiving cam surfaces and resilient means connecting said armto said second clip portion.

g 10. An integral resilient sheet material receptacle for use with acrosspin fastener including in combination, a base portion having aholethereiman intermediate portion having a hole therein, a pair ofelongated spaced legsconnectings'aid base portion to said intermediateportion adjacent to one end thereof, first bends in said legs adjacenttosaid base portion for positioning lengths of said legs in spacedgenerally parallel relationship to said base portion; second bends insaid legs adjacent to said intermediate portion to position saidintermediate portion inrelatively closely spaced generally parallelrelationship to said base portion with said holes inalignmenta terminalarmportion provided with crosspin receiving means, a bend connectingsaid arm portion to said intermediate portion adjacent to the other endthereof to position said crosspin receiving means in alignment with saidholes and between said legs, and guide means on said intermediateportion at said opening therein.

lli An integral resilient sheet material receptacle as in claim 10 inwhich said guide means comprises a flange in said intermediate portionaround said opening, said flange extending toward said base portion.

12. An integral resilient sheet material receptacle as in claim 11 inwhich said flange has an upper edge lying in a plane inclined away fromsaid base portion in a direction away from said first bends.

rection away from said first bends.

1. An improved clip-on receptacle for use with a crosspin fastener tosecure a first member to the outer surface of a second member having anopening adjacent to an edge thereof including in combination, a firstclip portion having an opening therein, a second clip portion having anopening therein, crosspin receiving means carried by said second clipportion, resilient means connecting said first and second clip portionsin spaced relationship with said openings in alignment to permit saidreceptacle to be slipped over the edge of said second member with thefirst clip portion in engagement with the outer surface of the secondmember and with the second clip portion in engagement with the innersurface thereof and with the clip portion openings in alignment with thesecond member opening, and means on said second clip portion for guidinga fastener crosspin in the course of its movement out of said secondmember opening after disengagement from said crosspin receiving means toprevent fouling thereof on the inner surface of said second member. 2.An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which said guide meanscomprises a flange on said second clip portion at the edge of theopening therein.
 3. An improved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 inwhich said guide means comprises a flange on said second clip portion atthe edge of the opening therein, said flange extending from said secondclip portion toward said first clip portion.
 4. An improved clip-onreceptacle as in claim 1 in which said guide means comprises a flange onsaid second clip portion at the edge of the opening therein, said flangeextending from said second clip portion toward said first clip portionto snap into the opening in the second member in the assembled positionof said receptacle on said second member.
 5. An improved clip-onreceptacle as in claim 1 in which said guide means comprises a flange onsaid second clip portion at the edge of the opening therein, said flangeextending from said second clip portion toward said first clip portionto snap into the opening in the second member in the assembled positionof said receptacle on said second member, said flange extending entirelyaround the opening in said second clip portion.
 6. An improved clip-onreceptacle as in claim 1 in which said guide means comprises a flange onsaid second clip portion at the edge of the opening therein, said flangeextending from said second clip portion toward said first clip portionto snap into the opening in the second member in the assembled positionof said receptacle on said second member, said flange extending entirelyaround the opening in said second clip portion and in which the edge ofsaid flange lies in a plane inclined toward said second clip portion ina direction away from said connecting means.
 7. An improved clip-onreceptacle as in claim 1 in which said guide means comprises a flange onsaid second clip portion at the edge of the opening therein, said flangeextending from said second clip portion toward said first clip portionto snap into the opening in the second member in the assembled positionof said receptacle on said second member, said flange extending entirelyaround the opening in said second clip portion and in which the edge ofsaid flange lies in a plane inclined toward said second clip portion ina directioN away from said connecting means, said receptacle includingan annular rounded boss in said second clip portion around said flangeand on the side of second clip portion remote from said flange.
 8. Animproved clip-on receptacle as in claim 1 in which the receptacle isformed from resilient sheet material.
 9. An improved clip-on receptacleas in claim 1 in which said crosspin receiving means comprises an armformed with an opening and with crosspin receiving cam surfaces andresilient means connecting said arm to said second clip portion.
 10. Anintegral resilient sheet material receptacle for use with a crosspinfastener including in combination, a base portion having a hole therein,an intermediate portion having a hole therein, a pair of elongatedspaced legs connecting said base portion to said intermediate portionadjacent to one end thereof, first bends in said legs adjacent to saidbase portion for positioning lengths of said legs in spaced generallyparallel relationship to said base portion, second bends in said legsadjacent to said intermediate portion to position said intermediateportion in relatively closely spaced generally parallel relationship tosaid base portion with said holes in alignment a terminal arm portionprovided with crosspin receiving means, a bend connecting said armportion to said intermediate portion adjacent to the other end thereofto position said crosspin receiving means in alignment with said holesand between said legs, and guide means on said intermediate portion atsaid opening therein.
 11. An integral resilient sheet materialreceptacle as in claim 10 in which said guide means comprises a flangein said intermediate portion around said opening, said flange extendingtoward said base portion.
 12. An integral resilient sheet materialreceptacle as in claim 11 in which said flange has an upper edge lyingin a plane inclined away from said base portion in a direction away fromsaid first bends.
 13. An integral resilient sheet material receptacle asin claim 11 including a rounded annular boss in the side of saidintermediate portion remote from said base portion for connecting saidflange to said intermediate portion.
 14. An integral resilient sheetmaterial receptacle as in claim 11 including a rounded annular boss inthe side of said intermediate portion remote from said base portion forconnecting said flange to said intermediate portion, and in which saidflange has an upper edge lying in a plane inclined away from said baseportion in a direction away from said first bends.